Lafer Digital Preservation Internship Program

Gain real-world experience in the preservation of digital material. Student interns will take the lead in planning and implementing a digital preservation project with hands-on training in the library’s Digital Preservation Lab. 

About the program

The Mark and Theresa Lafer Digital Preservation Internship Program matches graduate level students interested in digital preservation with distinct projects in the U-M Library, on campus, or in the Southeast Michigan community. Projects support the preservation and long-term access of significant digital or archival material. 

The program is hosted by staff from the Digital Preservation Unit who will provide overall guidance and mentorship for the 320-hour internship. They will also work with the intern to ensure the work can be used for school credit if appropriate. 

With generous support from the Mark and Theresa Lafer Conservation and Digital Preservation Internship Fund, this is a paid internship. Yearly rates are posted in the respective job description. 

Projects

Digital Preservation Unit staff identify and define a different project annually. Each will likely involve project and preservation planning, workflow development, testing, and implementation.

Eligibility

Any graduate-level student is eligible to apply for this program. Attendance at the University of Michigan is not required. 

The internship is posted on student job boards at Michigan and Wayne State University at least three months before the start date.

We expect to provide future opportunities aimed at undergraduate-level students.